Political Notes: Noisy affair aims for a better future

Monday

Dec 24, 2007 at 2:00 AM

It's never too early to plan for a New Year's Day observance. And to that effect, a coalition of political activists, human service workers and clergy hope to see a crowd at the Jan. 1 energy discussion and New Year's celebration at the Woods Hole Community Hall on Water Street.

It's never too early to plan for a New Year's Day observance. And to that effect, a coalition of political activists, human service workers and clergy hope to see a crowd, complete with party hats, noisemakers and a commitment to improving the future, attend a Jan. 1 energy discussion and New Year's celebration at the Woods Hole Community Hall on Water Street.

This annual discussion/fete is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and is co-sponsored and endorsed by a coalition that includes the Cape Cod Council of Churches, the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission, Falmouth's "No Place for Hate" organization, and local environmentalists representing the Sierra Club.

At noon there will be the traditional walk around Eel Pond in Woods Hole — a colorful, noisy affair that often involves costumes, music and general hilarity, regardless of weather.

As part of the New Year's Day observance, the Falmouth Service Center — which provides social services on the Upper Cape and is a major food pantry for that area — will be honored for its work in providing fuel assistance and other essential services to low-income families on the Upper Cape.

In 2008, the FSC celebrates its 25th birthday. A collection will be taken to help support the work of the Falmouth Service Center at 611 Gifford St.

Bob Murphy, one of the organizers says, "We hope that the New Year's Day event will encourage political leaders and others to think about energy issues in new ways. For months, leaders have debated subjects like windmill construction. Meanwhile, many families on Cape Cod struggle to pay for transportation and home heating."

Admission is free. All are invited. For more information: (508) 457-0449.

Also in preparation for the new year: The Cape Cod League of Women Voters wants to remind all citizens that the deadline to register to vote in the Feb. 5 primary is Jan. 16. Registered Democrats vote in the Democratic primary. Registered Republicans vote in the Republican primary. Those who are unenrolled in a party, also known as independent, may indicate at the polls which ballot they wish to have, if they choose to vote in the primary.

For more information on the League of Women Voters of the Cape Cod Area, visit http://www.lwv.cc/

State Rep. Cleon Turner, D-Dennis, scored a coup in the world of political fundraising with the persuasive assistance of his campaign manager Bob Isadore. They got the state's top Democratic official to accept an invitation to a fundraising party in which Turner will formally announce he's seeking re-election.

Gov. Deval Patrick will be among the guests Jan. 10 at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Route 28, West Yarmouth. Cocktails with accompanying chatter and political gossip be served starting at 5 p.m., and dinner is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations can be made and questions can be answered by calling 508-362-1696 or by e-mailing Velore20@msn.com

And in a final pre-Christmas note: Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass, has joined Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, in writing the chairman of the FCC asking for assistance in the ongoing dispute with the NFL network and cable providers that has prevented many from watching their football team on a given week.

The Patriots' last game of the NFL season on Saturday night will be played against the New York Giants and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.

Delahunt is what some might call a devoted Patriots fan — well, that's how aide Rory Sheehan, a former Sandwich resident, describes his boss. Some might recall that earlier this year Delahunt enjoyed a rack of Indiana ribs, won in a bet with Sen. Michael Pence, R-Indiana, when the Pats defeated the Colts.

Political reporter Karen Jeffrey can be reached by phone at 508-862-1181, by fax at 508-771-3292 or by e-mail at kjeffrey@capecodonline.com.